New Dryer Cord Required?

My old dryer conked out and we found a good deal at HD. They said that code required a new cord, even though I had converted to a 4-prong receptacle and new cord about 4 years ago. It was only $10 for the cord, but was it necessary?

New Dryer Cord Required?

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweaty

My old dryer conked out and we found a good deal at HD. They said that code required a new cord, even though I had converted to a 4-prong receptacle and new cord about 4 years ago. It was only $10 for the cord, but was it necessary?

What they meant was that code requires a 4-wire cord. "new" in this case meaning 4-wire as opposed to an "old" 3-wire cord. If you have a 4-wire cord on your old dryer, save some money and remove it for your new dryer.

New Dryer Cord Required?

The sales man said that a new cord was required, whether 3 or 4 prong, because old cords go bad and cause electrical problems. He also said a new duct was required. I bought them and did keep my old cord.

New Dryer Cord Required?

Sounds like a liability issue from the vendor. They don't want to take a chance that the customer will use a 3 wire cord. And even if they do the vendor can say that hey they bought the right cord.

The "right" cord is the one that fits the receptacle, whether it is 3-wire or 4-wire.
Existing 3-wire circuits, receptacles and cords are not "illegal" to keep and use. If you get a new dryer you certainly CAN put a 3-wire cord on it and keep using the existing circuit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweaty

The sales man said that a new cord was required, whether 3 or 4 prong, because old cords go bad and cause electrical problems.

Maybe they do, but there is NO requirement that you replace it.
Actually the receptacle is what usually fails, it just takes the cord with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by InPhase277

What they meant was that code requires a 4-wire cord. "new" in this case meaning 4-wire as opposed to an "old" 3-wire cord.

Just for clarity, more modern codes require a 4-wire circuit and receptacle. The cord just goes along with it.
But I know we all knew this already.

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Answers based on the 2011 NEC.